On the whole, dislocations when they proceed from violence, are sometimes attended with severe symptoms, the parts being very sensible, and it will require sometime for the patient to recover his strength again.—Care therefore should be taken to keep the parts warm, and give them as much rest as possible.
A strengthening plaister spread upon leather, and put for a constancy round the parts after the inflammation is gone of, will also prove of singular service.
SECT. V.
Of Fractures
We come now to fractures. There is something terrible in the sound of broken bones; and yet in common they are by far more easier managed and healed than a dislocated joint: nature is very kind; from the fractured parts of a broken bone, there exsudes a gelatenous matter called Callus, that very soon glews them together again, and makes them stronger than ever. As easy as a fracture is ruined, as easily it may be well treated. I shall therefore lay down some few rules, which if properly observed, will ever be attended with success, as they are founded upon happy experience, in my own practice.
In the first place, a fracture should be reduced as soon as possible. Secondly, the part should have as much rest as possible till the callus is formed, or the bone knitted together again. Thirdly, bandages should not be laid on too tight. Fourthly, camphorated fomentations should not be too plentifully made use of. Fifthly, the habit of body should be kept in a slate of health; and Sixthly, the diet during the time should be wholesome and sparing.
With regard to the reduction, it was formerly a great error for a limb to be stretched out in an extensive posture; for the extension of the muscles contracted the limb, and made the reduction both painful and troublesome.
I shall here recommend a better method; namely to have the muscles in a flexible position, during the operation and the cure. But to proceed to particulars.